Maryland Online Gambling Laws

The information provided in this overview about online gambling laws should help residents of the state of Maryland make knowledgeable, informative choices. There is no guarantee that these laws will not change and residents who are unsure of the information provided here should contact a lawyer. We hope you use and enjoy the sites we provided for your gambling entertainment. We have tested these gambling websites over and over to ensure they are trustworthy, safe, and accept residents in the state of Maryland. It is always important to make sure a website is reputable and trustworthy before releasing any of your personal or financial information so that it is not compromised. There are no written laws that state that online gambling is illegal in the state of Maryland so residents do not have to worry about criminal charges or being arrested for gambling online. Enjoy yourself and be safe online.

Maryland Gambling Laws

Section 12–101

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) “Candidate” has the meaning stated in § 1-101 of the Election Law Article.

(c) (1) “Credit” means payment by a credit card or promissory note.

(2) “Credit” includes selling or pledging personal property in exchange for cash or tokens.

(d) (1) “Gaming device” means:

(i) a gaming table, except a billiard table, at which a game of chance is played for money or any other thing or consideration of value; or

(ii) a game or device at which money or any other thing or consideration of value is bet, wagered, or gambled.

(4) a bona fide nonprofit organization that is raising money for an exclusively charitable, athletic, or educational purpose; or

(5) any organization that is authorized to conduct a gaming event under Subtitle 1 or 2 of this title or Title 13 of this article.

(g) “Political committee” has the meaning stated in § 1-101 of the Election Law Article.

(h) “Token” means a poker chip, bingo chip, or other device commonly used instead of money in the playing of a gaming device.

Section12–102

(a) A person may not:

(1) bet, wager, or gamble;

(2) make or sell a book or pool on the result of a race, contest, or contingency;

(3) establish, keep, rent, use, or occupy, or knowingly allow to be established, kept, rented, used, or occupied, all or a part of a building, vessel, or place, on land or water, within the State, for the purpose of:

(i) betting, wagering, or gambling; or

(ii) making, selling, or buying books or pools on the result of a race, contest, or contingency; or

(4) receive, become the depository of, record, register, or forward, or propose, agree, or pretend to forward, money or any other thing or consideration of value, to be bet, wagered, or gambled on the result of a race, contest, or contingency.

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment for not less than 6 months and not exceeding 1 year or a fine of not less than $200 and not exceeding $1,000 or both.

(c) (1) The provisions of this subsection apply only in Baltimore City.

2) A person who violates this section may be charged by a citation.

(3) A citation for a violation of this section may be issued to a person by a police officer authorized to make arrests in Baltimore City if there is probable cause to believe that the person is committing or has committed a violation of this section.

(4) A citation issued under this subsection shall contain:

(i) the name and address of the person charged;

ii) the statute allegedly violated;

(iii) the location, date, and time that the violation occurred;

(iv) the fine or term of imprisonment that may be imposed;

(v) a notice stating that prepayment of a fine is not allowed;

(vi) a notice that the court shall promptly send the person charged a summons to appear for trial; and

(vii) the signature of the police officer issuing the citation.

(5) (i) The police officer who issued the citation shall forward to the appropriate court a copy of the citation.

(ii) The court shall promptly schedule the case for trial and summon the defendant to appear.

(iii) Willful failure of the defendant to respond to the summons is contempt of court.

Section12–103

(a) For money or any other thing or consideration of value, a person may not play:

(1) the game called “thimbles”;

(2) the game called “little joker”;

(3) dice or the game commonly called “craps”; or

(4) any other gaming device or fraudulent trick.

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment for not less than 6 months and not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding $100 or both.

Section12–104

(a) A person may not:

(1) keep a gaming device, or all or a part of a building, vessel, or place, on land or water within the State for the purpose of gambling;

(2) own, rent, or occupy all or a part of a building, vessel, or place and knowingly allow a gaming device to be kept in the building, vessel, or place;

(3) lease or rent all or a part of a building, vessel, or place to be used for the purpose of gambling;

(4) deal at a gaming device or in a building, vessel, or place for gambling;

(5) manage a gaming device or a building, vessel, or place for gambling; or

(6) have an interest in a gaming device or the profits of a gaming device.

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment for not less than 6 months and not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.

Section12–105

(a) This section:

(1) applies notwithstanding the issuance of a license or permit through or by a county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of the State; and

(2) does not authorize an act that is otherwise prohibited by law.

(b) A person may not bet, wager, or gamble or keep, conduct, maintain, or operate a gaming device on:

(1) a vessel or a part of a vessel on water within the State, except as provided in § 6-209 of the Transportation Article; or

(2) all or a part of a building or other structure that is built on or over water within the State, if the building or other structure cannot be entered from the shore of the State by a person on foot.

(c) To conduct, maintain, or operate a gaming device, a person may not establish, keep, rent, use, or occupy, or knowingly allow to be established, kept, rented, used, or occupied:

(1) a vessel on water within the State; or

(2) a building or other structure that is built on or over water within the State, if the building or other structure cannot be entered from the shore of the State by a person on foot.

(d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine of not less than $200 and not exceeding $1,000 or both for each violation.

Section12–106

(a) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, Subtitle 2 of this title, or Title 13 of this article and except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a bona fide charitable organization in this State may conduct a raffle for the exclusive benefit of the charitable organization if the prize awarded is real property:

(i) to which the charitable organization holds title; or

(ii) for which the charitable organization has the ability to convey title.

(2) A charitable organization may not conduct more than two raffles of real property in a calendar year.

(3) The Secretary of State may adopt regulations governing a raffle of real property by a charitable organization under this subsection.

(b) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article and except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a political committee or candidate for public office may conduct a raffle if the prizes awarded are money or merchandise.

(2) (i) The cost of a raffle ticket under this subsection may not exceed $5.

(ii) An individual may not purchase more than $50 worth of tickets.

(3) This subsection does not relieve a political committee or candidate from the reporting and record keeping requirements under the Election Law Article.

Section12–107

(a) (1) The prohibition in subsection (b) of this section applies notwithstanding a license or permit granted through or by a county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of this State.

(ii) bingo, carnivals, raffles, bazaars, or similar games of entertainment; or

(iii) mechanical or electrical devices, commonly known as slot machines, that are authorized in the State and that require the insertion of a coin or token.

(b) A person may not conduct or operate with pari-mutuel betting, or with any similar form of betting, wagering, or gambling:

(1) the game, contest, or event commonly known as “jai alai”; or

(2) any other game, contest, or event.

(c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of not less than $200 and not exceeding $1,000 for each violation.

Section12–108

(a) An organization that operates a gaming event authorized under this subtitle, Subtitle 2 of this title, or Title 13 of this article may not accept credit from a person to allow that person to play a gaming device at the gaming event.

(b) Subsection (a) of this section does not prohibit an organization from accepting a token instead of money from a person who has paid the organization money for the use of the token.

(c) An organization that violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or loss of privileges to conduct a gaming event not exceeding 60 days or both.

Section12–109

(a) A person may not willfully, knowingly, and unlawfully cause or attempt to cause the prearrangement or predetermination of the results of a horse race.

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.

Section12–110

(a) A person who loses money at a gaming device that is prohibited by this subtitle, Subtitle 2 of this title, or Title 13 of this article:

(1) may recover the money as if it were a common debt; and

(2) is a competent witness to prove the loss.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, a person may not recover money or any other thing that the person won by betting at a gaming device prohibited by this subtitle, Subtitle 2 of this title, or Title 13 of this article.

Section12–111

If a law enforcement officer has a reason to suspect a gaming device is kept unlawfully at a place, the law enforcement officer shall:

(1) visit the place; and

(2) charge all persons who violate a law that prohibits gambling.

Section12–112

(a) (1) An indictment for violating the prohibition against gaming is sufficient if it states that the defendant kept a gaming device.

(2) The indictment need not state the particular kind of gaming or gaming device involved in the alleged violation.

(b) A defendant, on timely request, may obtain a bill of particulars.

Section12–113 A court shall construe liberally this title relating to gambling and betting to prevent the activities prohibited.

Section12–201 In this subtitle, “lottery device” means a policy, certificate, or other thing by which a person promises or guarantees that a number, character, ticket, or certificate will, when an event or contingency occurs, entitle the purchaser or holder to receive money, property, or evidence of debt.

Section12–202

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, this subtitle applies to all lotteries, including those authorized by any other state or foreign country.

(b) This subtitle does not apply to the State lottery established under Title 9, Subtitle 1 of the State Government Article.

Section12–203

(a) A person may not:

(1) hold a lottery in this State; or

(2) sell a lottery device in the State for a lottery drawn in this State or elsewhere.

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction shall be sentenced to imprisonment for not less than 3 months and not exceeding 12 months or a fine of not less than $200 and not exceeding $1,000 or both for each violation.

(c) In addition to the penalty provided under subsection (b) of this section, a person who gives money or any other thing to purchase or obtain a lottery device, for each lottery device purchased or obtained, may recover $50 from:

(1) the person to whom the money or other thing was given; or

(2) any person who aided or abetted that person.

Section12–204

(a) A person may not:

(1) keep a house, office, or other place for the purpose of selling or bartering a lottery device in violation of § 12-203 of this subtitle; or

(2) allow a house or office that the person owns to be used for the purpose of selling or bartering a lottery device in violation of § 12-203 of this subtitle.

(b) A person who knows that the person’s house or office is being used for the purpose of selling or bartering a lottery device in violation of § 12-203 of this subtitle is deemed to be allowing the house or office to be used for those purposes.

(c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

Section12–205

(a) This section does not apply to a person who possesses:

(1) an item that is prohibited under this section that was obtained to procure or furnish evidence of a violation of this subtitle; or

(2) a lottery ticket or slip issued by this State or another government.

(b) A person may not:

(1) bring a lottery device into the State; or

(2) possess a book, list, slip, or record of:

(i) the numbers drawn in a lottery in this State or another state or country;

(ii) a lottery device; or

(iii) money received or to be received from the sale of a lottery device.

(c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

Section12–206

(a) This section does not apply to a lottery conducted by a government.

(b) A person may not print, write, or publish an account of a lottery that describes:

(1) when or where the lottery is to be drawn;

(2) any prize available in the lottery;

(3) the price of a lottery ticket or share of a lottery ticket; or

(4) where a lottery ticket may be obtained.

(c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 60 days or a fine not exceeding $100 or both.

Section12–207

(a) A person may not:

(1) insure or receive consideration for insuring for or against the drawing of a lottery ticket or part of a lottery ticket;

(2) receive money, property, or evidence of debt in consideration of an agreement to repay or deliver the money, property, or evidence of debt, if a lottery ticket or a part of a lottery ticket is drawn or not drawn on a particular day or in a particular order;

(3) if contingent on the results of a lottery, and whether or not consideration is paid, promise or agree to:

(i) pay or deliver money, property, or evidence of debt; or

(ii) refuse to do anything for the benefit of another; or

(4) publish a notice of an intent to perform or notice of a proposal to perform items (1) through (3) of this subsection.

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment of not less than 3 months and not exceeding 6 months or a fine of not less than $100 and not exceeding $1,000 or both.

Section12–208

A court shall interpret §§ 12-201 through 12-207 of this subtitle liberally to treat as a lottery ticket any ticket, part of a ticket, or lottery device by which money is paid or another item is delivered when, in the nature of a lottery, an event or contingency occurs.

Section12–209

A grant, bargain, or transfer of real estate, goods, a right of action, or personal property is void if it occurs while engaging in, or aiding or assisting in a lottery.

Section12–210

(a) Any recovery of a penalty for a violation of any of the provisions of this subtitle relating to a lottery, whether by indictment or action of debt, or before a justice of the peace before July 5, 1971, or before any court of competent jurisdiction, is considered a first conviction under this section.

(b) A person convicted a second or subsequent time of a violation of any of the provisions of this subtitle relating to a lottery is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.

Section12–211

(a) (1) An indictment for violating the prohibition against the drawing of lotteries or the selling of lottery devices is sufficient if it states that the defendant drew a lottery or sold a lottery device.

(2) The indictment need not state the particular kind of lottery scheme involved in the alleged violation.

(b) The defendant, on timely request, is entitled to a bill of particulars.

Section12–212.

(a) A person may not directly or indirectly barter, sell, or trade or offer by publication or in any other manner to barter, sell, or trade goods or merchandise, in a package or in bulk, in exchange for a scheme or device constituting a gift enterprise.

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction shall be sentenced to a fine of not less than $50 for each violation.

Section12–301

In this subtitle:

(1) “slot machine” means a machine, apparatus, or device that:

(i) operates or can be made to operate by inserting, depositing, or placing with another person money, a token, or another object; and

(ii) through the element of chance, the reading of a game of chance, the delivery of a game of chance, or any other outcome unpredictable by the user, awards the user:

1. money, a token, or other object that represents or that can be converted into money; or

2. the right to receive money, a token, or another object that represents and can be converted into money;

(2) “slot machine” includes:

(i) a machine, apparatus, or device described in item (1) of this section that also sells, delivers, or awards merchandise, money, or some other tangible thing of value; and

(ii) a pinball machine or console machine that pays off in merchandise; and

(3) “slot machine” does not include a machine, apparatus, or device that:

(i) awards the user only free additional games or plays;

(ii) awards the user only noncash merchandise or noncash prizes of minimal value;

(iii) dispenses paper pull tab tip jar tickets or paper pull tab instant bingo tickets that must be opened manually by the user provided that the machine, apparatus, or device does not:

1. read the tickets electronically;

2. alert the user to a winning or losing ticket; or

3. tabulate a player’s winnings and losses;

(iv) 1. displays facsimiles of bingo cards that users mark and monitor according to numbers called on the premises by an individual where the user is operating the machine; and

2. does not permit a user to play more than 54 bingo cards at the same time;

(v) is used by the State Lottery Commission under Title 9 of the State Government Article; or

(vi) if legislation takes effect authorizing the operation of video lottery terminals, is a video lottery terminal as defined in and licensed under that legislation.

Section12–302

(a) Except as allowed under §§ 12-304 through 12-306 of this subtitle, a person may not locate, possess, keep, or operate a slot machine in the State as an owner, lessor, lessee, licensor, licensee, or in any other capacity.

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine of $1,000 or both for each violation.

Section12–303

(a) In this section, “antique slot machine” means a slot machine that was manufactured at least 25 years before the date on which the machine is seized.

(b) A person may not be convicted under § 12-302 of this subtitle if the person shows by a preponderance of the evidence that the slot machine:

(1) is an antique slot machine; and

(2) was not operated for gambling purposes while in the person’s possession.

(c) If the defense is offered that a seized slot machine is an antique slot machine, the slot machine may not be destroyed or otherwise altered until after a final judicial determination, including review on appeal, that the defense does not apply.

(d) If the defense applies, the person who seized the slot machine shall return the slot machine in accordance with applicable provisions of law for the return of property.

Section12–304

(a) In this section, “eligible organization” means:

(1) a nonprofit organization that:

(i) has been located in a county listed in subsection (b) of this section for at least 5 years before the organization applies for a license under subsection (e) of this section; and

(ii) is a bona fide:

1. fraternal organization;

2. religious organization; or

3. war veterans’ organization; or

(2) a nonprofit organization that has been affiliated with a national fraternal organization for less than 5 years and has been located in a county listed in subsection (b) of this section for at least 50 years before the nonprofit organization applies for a license under subsection (e) of this section.

(b) This section applies in:

(1) Caroline County;

(2) Cecil County;

(3) Dorchester County;

(4) Kent County;

(5) Queen Anne’s County;

(6) Somerset County;

(7) Talbot County; and

(8) Wicomico County.

(c) (1) In this subsection, a console or set of affixed slot machines is not an individual slot machine.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, an eligible organization may own and operate a slot machine if the eligible organization:

(i) obtains a license under subsection (e) of this section for each slot machine;

(ii) owns each slot machine that the eligible organization operates;

(iii) owns not more than five slot machines;

(iv) locates and operates its slot machines at its principal meeting hall in the county in which the eligible organization is located;

(v) does not locate or operate its slot machines in a private commercial facility;

(vi) uses:

1. at least one–half of the proceeds from its slot machines for the benefit of a charity; and

2. the remainder of the proceeds from its slot machines to further the purposes of the eligible organization;

(vii) does not use any of the proceeds of the slot machine for the financial benefit of an individual; and

(viii) reports annually under affidavit to the State Comptroller:

1. the income of each slot machine; and

2. the disposition of the income from each slot machine.

(d) An eligible organization may not use or operate a slot machine unless:

(1) the slot machine is equipped with a tamperproof meter or counter that accurately records gross receipts; and

(2) the eligible organization keeps an accurate record of the gross receipts and payoffs of the slot machine.

(e) (1) Before an eligible organization may operate a slot machine under this section, the eligible organization shall obtain a license for the slot machine from the sheriff of the county in which the eligible organization plans to locate the slot machine.

(2) (i) The county shall:

1. charge an annual fee of $50 for each license for a machine; and

2. issue a license sticker to the applicant.

(ii) The applicant shall place the sticker on the slot machine.

(iii) The proceeds of the annual fee shall be transferred to the general fund of the county.

(3) In the application to the sheriff for a license, one of the principal officers of the eligible organization shall certify under affidavit that the organization:

(i) is an eligible organization; and

(ii) will comply with this section.

(f) (1) A principal officer of the eligible organization may not intentionally misrepresent a statement of fact on the application.

(2) A person who violates this subsection is guilty of perjury and on conviction is subject to the penalty provided under Title 9, Subtitle 1 of this article.

Section12–305

(a) A person may take delivery of, possess, or transport a slot machine to demonstrate or sell the slot machine to a prospective customer who is allowed to purchase a slot machine if the person:

(1) operates with or under a distributorship contract with a manufacturer of slot machines;

(2) is registered with the United States Department of Justice as a distributor of slot machines; and

(3) has provided the Secretary of the State Police with a copy of the person’s current federal registration.

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine of $1,000 or both for each violation.

Section12–306

(a) In this section, “premises” means an improved or unimproved parcel or tract of land that is owned by:

(1) a person; or

(2) persons associated in a joint or common venture.

(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, in a county or municipal corporation where, before July 1, 1963, county or municipal officials licensed slot machines for operation, a person may not, as an owner, lessor, lessee, licensor, licensee, or in any other capacity, keep or operate a slot machine for any purpose in any place of business or building or on any premises.

(2) Before disposing of a slot machine, the county commissioners or county executive of a county where a slot machine is located may require the slot machine to be:

(i) registered in a manner appropriate to the office of county executive or county commissioners; and

(ii) sealed against use, stored, and kept under the supervision and control of the county commissioners or county executive.

Section12–307

(a) Because of an act of God, or condemnation or abandonment of the primary business by the owner of a business operating on the premises, a person may:

(1) remove a slot machine from any premises on which a slot machine is allowed to operate under law; and

(2) transfer the slot machine to another premises within the same county.

(b) A person who transfers a slot machine from one premises to another may not increase the total number of machines allowed by law.

Section13–101

(a) Activities conducted under this title are allowed notwithstanding the provisions of Title 12, Subtitles 1 and 2 of this article.

(b) A county may not issue a commercial bingo license under this title or under any public local law to an entity that was not licensed to conduct commercial bingo on or before June 30, 2008.

Section13–201

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) “Gaming event” means a carnival, bazaar, or raffle.

(c) “Qualified organization” means:

(1) a volunteer fire company; or

(2) a bona fide:

(i) religious organization;

(ii) fraternal organization;

(iii) civic organization;

(iv) war veterans’ organization; or

(v) charitable organization.

Section13–202

Except as otherwise provided in this title, this subtitle applies in the following counties:

1) Allegany County;

(2) Anne Arundel County;

(3) Baltimore County;

(4) Calvert County;

(5) Caroline County;

(6) Carroll County;

(7) Dorchester County;

(8) Frederick County;

(9) Garrett County;

(10) Howard County;

11) Prince George’s County;

(12) St. Mary’s County;

(13) Somerset County;

(14) Talbot County; and

Section13–203

This title and Title 12 of this article do not prohibit a qualified organization from conducting a gaming event for the exclusive benefit of a qualified organization if an individual or group of individuals does not:

(1) benefit financially from the gaming event under this subtitle; or

(2) receive any of the proceeds from the gaming event under this subtitle for personal use or benefit.

Section13–204

A qualified organization may award a prize in money or in merchandise at a gaming event using any gaming device, including:

(1) a paddle wheel;

(2) a wheel of fortune;

(3) a chance book; or

(4) bingo.

Section 13–205

A qualified organization that conducts a gaming event under this subtitle shall manage the gaming event personally through its members.

Section13–301

Subtitle 2 of this title applies in Allegany County.

Section13–302

(a) (1) In this section, “paper gaming” means a game of chance in which:

(i) prizes are awarded; and

(ii) the devices used to play the game are constructed out of paper or cardboard.

(2) “Paper gaming” includes tip jar and punchboard gaming.

(3) “Paper gaming” does not include bingo.

(b) This section applies only in Allegany County.

(c) (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, a person that is a for profit business or qualified organization may engage in paper gaming if the person obtains a paper gaming license that is issued by the Board of County Commissioners.

(2) If the person is a for profit business, the person shall also hold a Class A, C, or D retail alcoholic beverages license.

(3) Qualified organizations that do not have an alcoholic beverages license and fire and rescue departments may engage in paper gaming without obtaining a paper gaming license.

(d) A person may sell paper gaming devices to a paper gaming licensee if the person obtains a wholesale vendor’s license issued by the Board of County Commissioners.

(e) The Board of County Commissioners shall set annual fees for a paper gaming license and a wholesale vendor’s license.

(f) Monthly, wholesale vendor licensees shall provide a list to the Board of County Commissioners of all customers to whom they sell paper gaming products and the total number of products sold to each customer.

(g) A paper gaming licensee may not have on its premises a paper gaming device that does not display a gaming sticker.

(h) The Board of County Commissioners shall ensure that each retail alcoholic beverages licensee who holds a paper gaming license sells to the public the same serial-numbered paper gaming devices that are listed on the bill of sale from the wholesale vendor licensee.

(i) (1) The Board of County Commissioners may impose the following paper gaming taxes:

(i) on licensees that are qualified organizations, 10% of gross profits minus the costs of paper gaming products; and

(ii) on licensees that are for profit businesses, 40% of gross profits minus the costs of paper gaming products.

(2) The Board of County Commissioners may not impose a paper gaming tax on qualified organizations that do not have an alcoholic beverages license or fire and rescue departments that buy paper gaming devices from a licensed wholesale vendor.

(j) (1) In this subsection, “Fund” means the Special Gaming Fund.

(2) The Board of County Commissioners may establish a Special Gaming Fund.

(3) The Fund is a special continuing, nonlapsing fund.

(4) The Fund may be used only to benefit fire and rescue departments and to pay for specified school costs.

(5) (i) The Fund consists of:

1. revenue derived from the taxation of gross profits from tip jar sales; and

2. subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, money received from other sources.

(ii) Money from the General Fund of the State or county, including any federal money, may not be transferred by budget amendment or otherwise to the Fund.

(6) The Fund shall be invested and reinvested in the same manner as other county funds.

(7) Annually the Board of County Commissioners shall:

(i) pay from the Fund all administrative costs of carrying out this section, including the hiring of additionalnecessary personnel; an

(ii) allocate the remaining money in the Fund as follows:

1. at least 25% but not more than 35% to fire and rescue departments; and

2. the balance to pay for school construction, school supplies, and other nonmaintenance of effort costs.

(k) The Board of County Commissioners may adopt rules and regulations to administer and enforce this section.

(l) The Board of County Commissioners may:

(1) hire one or more inspectors; and

(2) authorize each inspector to enter the premises of a licensee to ensure compliance with this section or a rule or regulation adopted under this section.

(m) The Board of County Commissioners may adopt an ordinance or resolution declaring that a violation of this section or a rule or regulation adopted under this section is:

(1) a civil infraction under Article 25B, § 13C of the Code; or

(2) a misdemeanor punishable by a term of imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

(n) After a hearing, if the Board of County Commissioners or a designee of the Board finds that a paper gaming licensee, a wholesale vendor licensee, or an agent of a licensee has violated this section or a rule or regulation adopted under this section, the Board may suspend or revoke the license in addition to any fine or penalty imposed under subsection (m) of this section.

(1) obtained a membership in an organization in accordance with the charter and bylaws of the organization; and

(2) has been a member for at least 12 months immediately before the gaming event.

(b) A gaming device that is used at a gaming event shall be operated:

(1) by qualified members of the organization or qualified members of other organizations allowed to operate gaming devices under this section; and

(2) without the assistance of professional gaming device operators.

(c) (1) A person may not receive compensation from an organization for managing or operating a gaming device at a gaming event.

(2) Another organization that operates a gaming device under this subtitle may receive compensation from an organization for managing or operating a gaming device at a gaming event.

(d) Each organization conducting a gaming event shall submit to the Department of Inspections and Permits, in a manner determined by the county, a report under oath for each gaming event that provides:

(1) an accounting of all funds received; and

(2) a listing of the names, addresses, ages, and dates of membership of each individual who managed or operated a gaming device at the gaming event, including a statement that the individual is a qualified member of the organization.

(e) This section may not be construed to:

(1) limit or restrict the authority of the county to regulate, license, and designate the type of amusement or gaming devices that may be operated in the county; or

(2) amend or apply to the laws pertaining to raffles in the county under § 13-405 of this subtitle.

Section13–404

A person may not conduct a casino event in the county.

Section13–405

(a) A bona fide fraternal, civic, war veterans’, or charitable organization, or a volunteer fire company may conduct a raffle in the county for the benefit of charity if:

(1) the raffle is conducted to further the purposes of the organization; and

(2) no individual or group of individuals financially benefits from the holding of the raffle or receives any of the proceeds from the raffle for personal use.

(b) Prizes may be awarded by the use of paddle wheels, wheels of fortune, or chance books.

Section13–406

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, a political committee, as defined in § 1-101 of the Election Law Article, may conduct a fundraiser at which prizes of merchandise or money are awarded in a game or spin using a paddle wheel or wheel of fortune.

(b) A political committee may award a merchandise or money prize under this section that does not exceed the amount otherwise allowed for a prize in the county.

Section13–407

(a) In this section, “bingo” includes the game of instant bingo.

(b) A bona fide religious, fraternal, or charitable organization, or a volunteer fire company operating in a community that does not have a paid fire department, may conduct bingo in the county:

(1) for the benefit of charity in the county; or

(2) to further the purposes of the organization.

Section13–408

(a) A person may not knowingly operate or attempt to operate a gaming event in the county in violation of § 13-403 or § 13-404 of this subtitle.

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.